High Wind — Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska

2023-12-12 · Ketchikan Gateway Borough, Alaska

Event narrative

Two advancing waves brought two periods of high winds for the Ketchikan area. Multiple sites across Ketchikan reported wind gusts in excess of 60 mph, with the highest wind gust of 76 mph reported at the Saxman Marine Exchange site at 713 PM AKST. A utility company also reported a power outage near Point Higgins road at 639 PM AKST.

Wider weather episode

A strong system comprised of two waves moving north, brought high winds across the panhandle. The second wave was stronger, and was responsible for the bulk of the high winds. Accumulating snow was also recorded in the northern panhandle. A long fetch of moisture accompanied this system and high astronomical tides during the period of high winds resulted in minor coastal flooding impacts.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1153602. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.